Director Craig Brewer faced repeated rejections from studios for his film 'Song Sung Blue,' which stars Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman as a Midwestern Neil Diamond tribute couple. Despite concerns that audiences wouldn't connect with the lower-middle-class protagonists, the movie has earned strong reviews and box office success. Brewer credits the project's authenticity to its roots in a real-life story and his hands-off directing style.
Craig Brewer, known for films like 'Hustle & Flow' and 'Dolemite Is My Name,' encountered significant hurdles in getting 'Song Sung Blue' greenlit. The story, inspired by a little-seen documentary about Mike and Claire Milwaukee—a husband-and-wife duo performing Neil Diamond covers—depicts their struggles with deferred dreams, bills, addiction, and a tragic car accident. Studios dismissed the project, arguing that audiences wouldn't 'like these people' due to their cluttered, modest lifestyle, echoing biases Brewer has faced throughout his career with stories about Southerners, African Americans, and now Midwesterners.
Brewer pitched the idea to producers John Davis and John Fox after 'Dolemite Is My Name,' who supported it despite foreseeing challenges. 'Everyone said no, and they were very, very vocal in saying no,' Brewer recalled. Even outlets where he had previously succeeded rejected it, citing limited appeal. Focus Features ultimately backed the film, aided by Universal executive Peter Cramer's observation of young crowds reacting enthusiastically to 'Sweet Caroline' at a wedding.
Casting proved pivotal. Hugh Jackman, connected through NBCUniversal's Donna Langley, embraced the role, drawing from his Australian roots to relate to hardworking, overlooked Americans: 'These are people that work hard... They’re what this country is about.' Kate Hudson, whom Brewer had known for years from unproduced projects like 'Black Snake Moan,' wasn't initially on casting lists but inspired him after a 'CBS Sunday Morning' interview where she expressed frustration with Hollywood's perceptions. Hudson delivered a raw performance, insisting on close-ups to show her lines and weariness: 'I need women to see that I’m real here.'
On set, Brewer's direction was minimalist, akin to producer Sam Phillips capturing raw talent. He told Hudson and Jackman during table read, 'Kate, I could use a little more sunshine and Hugh, I could use a little more rain.' The approach paid off: since its Christmas debut, 'Song Sung Blue' has grossed over $25 million, earned an A CinemaScore, positioned Hudson in the Oscar race, and garnered Jackman some of his best reviews.
